Alanna tensed. "What happened?"Hudson's voice was cold as he said, "Last night, the scaffolding collapsed. Two workers were hurt in the process. "We immediately implemented the contingency plan and gave the workers the best medical treatment available. We also gave them a large amount as compensation. But something went wrong somewhere. "The workers' families started to make a fuss. They even reported us to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health. They claimed that our construction sites are dangerous. "Now, the entire project has been put on hold."Alanna felt her heart sink. "Are the two workers badly hurt?""They're not in critical condition. The scaffolding wasn't that high."Alanna sighed in relief. But her expression quickly darkened.She thought the northern suburbs project could launch once she returned. Then, she could leave Northlight Group successfully and join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.She did not expect something like this to happen at such a c
"Is he sabotaging anything? He only needs to delay the project until the end of your agreement term. Once everything is done, the project will still earn him a large sum."Hades' gaze darkened slightly. He still couldn't understand why the father and son were adamant about having Alanna stay in Northlight Group.At first, he thought they had wanted to use Alanna as a means against him.But that did not seem like what was happening now.Did they really admire her capabilities? Was that why they were adamant about keeping her in Northlight Group?On the other hand, Alanna was looking at Hades in shock. "You know about our agreement?"Hades gulped. He had found out about it as he had sent one of his people to investigate the matter after seeing Alanna anxiously trying to buy down the land in the northern suburbs.Back then, he had only thought of keeping her by his side. He never thought he would be forcing her into such a desperate situation.Hades remained quiet for some time be
Hades had always been an efficient man. That night, an explanation video was posted on social media.The second the video was posted, a bunch of news accounts went and reposted the video. Previously, public opinion had been very one-sided. But the netizens immediately switched up after seeing the confession video.Moreover, Alanna did not expect Hades to expose Tucker as well.As he was the instigator behind the whole incident, the netizens were quick to bash him for his actions.Following behind, the news about Tucker bribing a Northlight Group employee during the bidding wars was also exposed.Without missing a beat, all of the financial problems Smith Medicals was experiencing were shown to the public. Even evidence regarding Tucker's tax fraud was released to the public.Hades seemed adamant about backing Turner into a corner this time.Tucker looked sick as he watched all of his secrets being exposed to the media one after another.He felt his heart grow cold. He had a f
Alanna's lips twitched, but she didn't say anything.Her legs were indeed sore. Hades had not stopped to give her any time to rest for the past few days."Hades, I'm still worried about the situation," Alanna murmured as she leaned against the tub.Hades raised an eyebrow at her. "What are you worried about?"Alanna pursed her lips and said, "I'm afraid Tucker will do something extreme now that we've backed him into a corner."Hades' eyes flashed with emotion. "I'll arrange a few more bodyguards for you."For some reason, she was filled with a strong sense of unease.While she was in a daze, Hades took the opportunity to lean in and kiss her.Alanna was startled as she asked, "Hades, what are you doing?"Hades said shamelessly, "It's been a long time since we did it in a bathtub."Alanna's expression changed. "Haven't you had enough?"But Hades had already leaned in toward her.The bathtub's water splashed like waves, spilling onto the ground below."Hades…""Yes, I'm h
Alanna didn't say anything else. However, the feeling of unease still lingered in her heart.The preparations for the opening ceremony at the construction site were almost complete.By the time Alanna arrived, the procedures were all complete.She left the construction site and saw Hades standing by the entrance while he talked on the phone. She chuckled and walked toward him.But at that moment, someone bumped into her. She apologized subconsciously before looking up.Her eyes immediately widened in shock when she did.Oscar!Alanna immediately paled.But he had already walked past her."Hades, he…" Before she could finish her words, Oscar suddenly turned around with a glint in his eyes.Before she could understand what was happening, Oscar rushed toward Hades with a knife."Hades!" Alanna called out in shock.Hades quickly looked up, only to see Oscar rushing toward him.He quickly turned and avoided Oscar's attack on his arm.Oscar quickly went to attack Hades again.
Alanna glanced at Hudson and tried her best to sound calm. "I'll hand the situation over to you. I need to bring him to the hospital."Hudson looked at Alanna with a frown. "What about you? Are you injured?""No," Alanna said as she pulled Hades into the car.Her face remained pale throughout the car ride.Hades was also quiet as he focused on applying pressure to his wounds.Alanna only sighed in relief after the doctor cleansed his wounds and assured her that Hades did not injure any nerves.Chelsey also rushed over. "What's wrong? What happened?"Alanna was pale as she said, "It's alright."Michel had come over with Chelsey. He seemed to have heard what happened. He walked toward Alanna and asked, "Did you stand before Hades to protect him?"Chelsey's expression changed. "You nearly got stabbed trying to protect Hades?"Alanna tried to suppress her emotions and consoled Chelsey. "I'm alright. Don't worry. He's the one that got hurt."Hades' phone had been ringing for some
There was a hopeful look in Hades' gaze.The second Alanna had rushed up to protect him, he had been terrified. He was terrified that she would get hurt.But at the same time, he felt a glimmer of joy.Since their breakup until now, Alanna would not have given him the time of the day if he hadn't persisted shamelessly.Although Alanna had willingly allowed him to stay by her side now, he knew it was because he had shamelessly clung to her.He had been angry and terrified when she ran out to protect him.But at the same time, he was grateful.He had been unsure of her feelings toward him. So, he was grateful that he finally had an answer to his questions.He didn't receive any words of affirmation, but her actions were enough to make him feel touched.Alanna pursed her lips as her eyes landed on his bandaged hand.The words of denial were lingering at the edge of her throat. But she could not get them out.She didn't know what Hades was thinking by stopping that knife with hi
The smile on Hades' expression immediately disappeared at the mention of the incident."He was one of Melvin's right-hand men. My grandfather has been using Melvin to force me to bend by his will. So, he allowed Melvin to bail him out."Alanna's heart immediately sank. "Was Melvin the one behind this attack? I thought this was Tucker's doing."There was a cold glint in Hades' gaze.It might not be Melvin. He was still lying in bed at home. Not to mention, Hades had arranged for his people to watch him closely.Someone had probably used Melvin as a scapegoat.But he never expected to be their target."I'm not sure. They're now in police custody. We'll know the truth once the police interrogate them."Alanna nodded. She was about to say something else when Hades reached out to kiss her.After a while, his hands began to wander.Alanna could sense what he was trying to do and immediately pushed him off to stand outside. "We are in a hospital!"Hades laughed and followed behind.
He casually picked it up and glanced at it, his eyes filled with displeasure. "Who is this pretty boy?"Alanna looked at the snow outside."Can't you tell? A handsome guy."Hades frowned. "Is he more handsome than me?"Alanna couldn't be bothered to answer him.Hades lowered his eyes and held her waist. "Ms. Jacinto, are you feeling needy?"Alanna furrowed her brows. "Hades, can you be serious?"But Hades shamelessly replied, "If you have any needs, just give me a call. I'll be at your service anytime and anywhere."Alanna glared at him. "Hades, have some dignity."Hades chuckled. "Ms. Jacinto, are you doubting my abilities?"Alanna kicked his leg without hesitation.Hades laughed. "Feeling better now?"Alanna paused before nodding slightly. "Thank you.""Silly girl. Why are you thanking me?" Alanna smiled and got back to her work. She glanced at the man on the other side, who was busy replying to emails on his phone."If you're busy, you don't have to come over here on
Alanna was surprised. She then looked up at the man before her.She had a guarded expression.The man chuckled and handed her another business card. "I'm Mason Lowe and a classmate of Grayson's. I've heard a bit about you from him. I happened to have a business meeting recently that required translation. Would you be interested in taking up the job?"Alanna remained wary."Mr. Lowe, since you're Grayson's classmate, it would be more convenient to talk to him. I have something to attend to today, so I'll take my leave."With that, she pulled Chelsey and headed out. After their figures disappeared, Mason chuckled."She's quite guarded."He muttered to himself before lighting a cigarette. Just then, his phone rang. A woman's voice came from the other end."Didn't I ask you to approach Alanna? Why haven't you made any progress after such a long time?"Mason took a drag of his cigarette."Do you think it's easy to get close to Alanna? She's always surrounded by bodyguards. I o
Chelsey didn't know how to comfort Alanna."Ally, you need to move on."Alanna nodded without saying much. There was nothing else she could do.While the doctor examined Chelsey's wound and prescribed her medication, a commotion arose outside.Michel and the dog's owner had followed them to the clinic."Chelsey!"As soon as Michel entered the clinic, he called out.Chelsey gave him a sidelong glance. "What are you doing here?"Michel chuckled. "I came to check on you after hearing you got bitten."Chelsey scoffed. "What for? I got bitten by a dog, not you."Michel clicked his tongue. "Even if we were to bite each other, you would be the one who bit me."Chelsey aimed a kick at him. But before she could reach him, someone shouted, "Michel!"Chelsey immediately retracted her foot and glared at Michel. "Get out of the way. Stop being an eyesore."Michel chuckled. "Chelsey, are you reluctant to kick me?"Without hesitation, Chelsey aimed another kick at him. This time, she hi
Justin entered the room just in time to hear Alanna's questionHe paused briefly before taking a deep breath and walking up to her."Ms. Jacinto."Alanna turned around and saw Justin coming in with a stack of forms.Her lips twitched. But before she could speak, Justin beat her to it."Ms. Jacinto, what brings you here?" His demeanor was natural, showing no signs of evasion.Alanna pursed her lips and smiled slightly. "I'm here accompanying Chelsey for her shot."With that, she glanced back at the little girl."Is this your daughter?"Justin nodded, his eyes filled with affection as he looked at the girl."Yes, she's my daughter."Alanna's fingers twitched. "May I hold her?"Almost instinctively, the nanny holding the girl took a step back.Alanna's hands froze. She said, "Sorry."Justin's brow furrowed instantly.He glanced at the nanny before explaining softly to Alanna."Aashika was born prematurely and has a very weak immune system. We always disinfect before holdin
After leaving the detention center, Alanna seemed lost in thought.Although Tucker hadn't revealed much, she couldn't shake off her suspicions about Edmund."Do you think it could be Edmund?" Hades remained silent."The key question now is, if it's Edmund, why would he harm your mother?"Alanna lowered her gaze.Hades was right. She wondered why.Since learning that Tara was being targeted, she had thought of countless possibilities. Who could be behind the threats, and why would anyone want to harm such a fragile woman?But she still had no answers.Hades felt a pang of heartache."We'll find out eventually. Don't worry, if it's him, he'll show his true colors sooner or later."Alanna looked out the window and responded in a hum.Hades looked at her and gently caressed her cheek."Ally, don't feel sad. It hurts me."Alanna brushed his hand away. "Stop touching me all the time."Hades' mouth twitched."I've already asked Margaret to make preparations for the New Year.
Alanna glanced at him and brushed off his hand.Hades' eyes twinkled with amusement."Is it okay to spend the New Year's Eve together?"Alanna turned her head and looked at the calendar hanging on the wall.It was already mid-December.The New Year was approaching.Their baby was already three months old.If nothing had gone wrong, their New Year's Eve would have been filled with joy.Alanna withdrew her gaze, lowered her head, and straightened her clothes.Hades saw the glimmer of moisture in her eyes when she lowered her head.His heart ached, and he quickly hurried over to hug her."Everything will be fine."Alanna fought back her tears and nodded before pushing him away.Hades looked at her determined expression with a sense of helplessness."Let's go see Tucker. Maybe we can get some information about your mother."Alanna nodded and followed him out.After the two left, Chelsey rolled her eyes in the room."What a world! I have to see them being all lovey-dovey ri
In Northlight Group at Brunstein City, Edmund listened as his assistant reported everything to him."You mean, Olivia has been investigating Tara recently?"The assistant nodded. "Yes, and she's been very thorough."Edmund's pen snapped in his hand."Besides that, did she find out anything else?""She already found out about Tara's death."Edmund's face turned grim. "Got it."After speaking, he paused briefly. "Prepare something for me, and also, invite Mrs. Campbell to have lunch with me at the company."Olivia arrived at Northlight Group before noon.Before she could enter the office, she heard Edmund making a phone call."Mr. Florentine, I can help stabilize the stock price of Florentine Group with Northlight, but I hope you won't vent your anger on Alanna. Yes, she's important to me. You could say, even more important than Hudson."Olivia's steps abruptly halted. The smile on her face gradually disappeared.It wasn't until Edmund's secretary called out to her that Olivi
Alanna's grip on her phone tightened slightly."Hades, are you... really okay?"Hades chuckled. "I'm just trying to get some sympathy from you. Is it working?"Alanna pursed her lips and remained silent.Hades chuckled. "Go to bed early."After a pause, he added, "Also, try not to take sleeping pills.""Where are you?"Alanna suddenly asked.Hades was stunned.He glanced at the villa in the distance. "I'm taking a walk outside.""Taking a walk in the dead of winter?"Hades chuckled. "Ms. Jacinto, are you showing concern for me?"Alanna scoffed. "Go ahead and enjoy your walk."Hades quickly responded, "I'm outside handling some business. I just finished and suddenly missed you. So I wanted to call you."Alanna pursed her lips."Hades, we're partners now. From now on, don't hide anything from me."Hades' voice softened."Alright, I won't hide anything from you."Alanna didn't say much and hung up the phone directly.She silently looked at the sleeping pills on the beds
Afterward, he sneered, extinguished his cigarette, and drove away.Just as he left the residential area, a car suddenly came speeding towards him.Hades jerked the steering wheel.But the car behind him turned around and came back in his direction.Hades narrowed his eyes and stepped on the gas pedal, rushing forward.However, he didn't intend to shake off the car this time.Instead, he maintained a distance that allowed him to keep sight of the car. It was neither too close nor too far. He ensured that the car couldn't catch up with him and he wouldn't lose sight of it.The scenery outside became increasingly desolate.At some point, they were already on the outskirts.Surprisingly, Hades lit a cigarette at this moment.Then, he sent a location to Yves."Come handle the accident."Hades' car suddenly went uphill before rushing down a steep slope.The person in the car behind widened their eyes.Below the steep slope was a wall!They slammed on the brakes. But the speed